search supported by:
E-Pledge
July 06, 2008 | 69°F mist

The Leonard Lopate Show

Helping Ex-Inmates Adjust to Life Outside of Prison

Reintegrating ex-inmates into their communities can be difficult. We look into the challenges of successful prisoner re-entry with David Rothenberg and JoAnne Page of the non-profit The Fortune Society, as well as Cass Torres, a former inmate.

The Fortune Society website


Listener Comments Comment | Refresh | Back to Episode
[1]
Posted by: edcnyc
March 24, 2008 - 10:51AM
queens

A friend of mine was the fall guy for a robbery and eventually commited suicide at Rikers after being sexually abused there (he was 21). Another friend was just released after 7 years for selling ecstasy. Now he's a self-employed metal scraper. He drives around the city in his truck collecting scrap metal to sell. He mentions his back is killing him, but feels he has little choice. Talk about "in need of reform."

[2]
Posted by: Dave
March 24, 2008 - 01:01PM
Manhattan

Speaking as a returning student (John Jay) working toward NYS's credential in alcoholism and substance abuse counseling (CASAC), I can confirm that everything I have learned supports Fortune's recognition that safe housing is an absolute prerequisite to building recovery. Ex-offenders, like addicts in general, don't shrug off one set of defenses like an old coat and comfortably wrap themselves in an unfamiliar new creed.

They learn one day at a time, given a safe space and peer mentoring (plus all the other support services, e.g., Medicaid, any dis abled person needs to become "able" again, or for the first time.

[3]
Posted by: Debra Maniscalco
March 24, 2008 - 01:03PM
Garfield, NJ

I missed most of your program re:The Fortune Society and am interested if this society is set up to help people who have been in and out of rehab numerous times and only VERY lUCKY not to end up in jail yet but most certainly on thier way

Thank you

Leave a Comment

Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. WNYC reserves the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the WNYC.org Comment Guidelines before posting.

Your comment


* required
The information entered into this form will not be used to send unsolicited email and will not be sold to a third party.
 
Back to Episode

Web tools supported by
Print friendly format
supported by
Listen Live
FM 93.9 Windows 20k
MP3 32k 128k
On Air: Overnight Music
AM 820 Windows 20k
MP3 32k
On Air: BBC World Service
Shopping Online?
Start your Amazon shopping on WNYC.org and a portion of your total purchase goes to WNYC.


Audio Search

Search current and archival WNYC broadcasts. More

In The Spotlight
2008 Tony Awards
Listen to recent Leonard Lopate interviews with the nominees.
More
Winners of the New York Times Top 10 List
The New York Times recently announced their list of the 10 best books of 2007. Listen to Leonard Lopate's interviews with several of the authors.
More
2007 National Book Awards
Listen to several award winners at the 2007 National Book Awards that appeared on The Leonard Lopate Show.
More
Guest Picks
The Leonard Lopate Show asks some of their guests about the books, films, and music that move them.
More
The Camera Loves You!
Photos on flickr
Leonard Lopate lets you listen in on the best conversations in New York- now you can take a peek, too. See candid shots of Martha Wainwright, Amy Sedaris and more.
More
Shop at Amazon!
Leonard Lopate Show picks
Start your Amazon shopping on WNYC.org and a portion of your total purchase goes to WNYC.
More
Most Emailed